Umahi dissociates self from 2023 presidency

EBONYI State Governor David Umahi has dissociated himself from the purported inauguration of a campaign platform known as “Southeast for President 2023”.

He described the purported inauguration as a distraction.

Umahi, in a statement by his Chief Press secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, dissociated himself and his government from any form of political gathering with intent to promote him for President in 2023. He said he is more committed to delivering quality and purposeful leadership to the people.

He added that promoters of his purported 2023 presidential ambition did not have his support, and so should not link him with any election that is four years ahead.

The statement reads: “The governor was greatly embarrassed by the link to presidential ambition of 2023 being circulated in the news, and states that he will not be distracted by the various endorsements by groups and individuals who clamour for a President of Igbo extraction.

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“Governor Umahi does not know the promoters of the platform, and could not have contracted them to do the job, but be believes that genuine and law abiding Nigerians reserve the right to go about their business as long as it doesn’t not impinge on laid down rules of the country.

“2023 is still very far ahead. I am the Governor of Ebonyi State, and a second term governor for that matter, by the grace of God. I put all my energy and concentration to serve my people and deliver on my campaign promises. I am not looking at where I will be tomorrow. Allow God to determine my next political fate but don’t distract me with Presidential ambition of 2023 now in 2019, it’s ridiculous.

“As a Nigerian and Igbo man, and in my capacity as the Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum, I am not against the idea or agitation for Nigeria President of Igbo extraction, but linking me to it at this time is mostly embarrassing, distracting and premature, and I beg to be left out of it.”